[Verse] On the old front porch, where we sing the blues, You and me stuck here, in a town that we outgrew, We watch the sun set, casting shadows on our faces, Dreaming of a way out, to far-off places. [Verse 2] You make the morning coffee, same time, same way, I drive the same old truck down the same old gravel bay, Routine's a comfort, but it's making us weak, We need something more, but it's freedom we seek. [Chorus] Small town shadows, creeping 'round our hearts, We're tied down by safety, afraid to make a start, We crave the open road, the new dawn's early light, Yet these small town shadows hold us tight. [Verse 3] We walk the fields where we once felt so free, Now the corn grows tall, but it don't bury our need, For a life beyond the horizon, where the wind's fresh and wild, Are we too scared to chase it, or just beguiled? [Verse 4] I see it in your eyes when you look my way, A yearning for adventure, a need to escape, We both know the truth, but fear keeps us confined, Small town shadows, playing tricks with our minds. [Chorus] Small town shadows, creeping 'round our hearts, We're tied down by safety, afraid to make a start, We crave the open road, the new dawn's early light, Yet these small town shadows hold us tight.
alt-country americana blending pedal steel and percussion
English
The lyrics convey a deep sense of yearning and wistfulness. They express the tension between comfort in routine and the desire for freedom and adventure, illustrating the emotional struggle of wanting to break free from familiarity while being tethered by fear and safety.
This song can be played in settings focusing on nostalgia and the struggles of small-town life, such as at intimate gatherings, house concerts, or in a reflective road trip playlist. It resonates with anyone who feels trapped by their surroundings and dreams of adventure.
The song features a blend of pedal steel guitar and percussion, characteristic of alt-country music. The lyrical structure uses vivid imagery and metaphors to paint a picture of small-town life and longing. The repetition in the chorus creates a haunting effect, emphasizing the emotional weight of being stuck in a routine.
Verse 1: Oi, listen up, mate, here’s a yarn, ‘Bout a bloke out back on his farm, Everything’s blue, fair dinkum it’s true, From his stubby to his ute, his flanno too. Blue’s his shed, his old Commodore, Blue esky chillin’ out by the door, Got blue gum trees as far as ya see, And he’s blue ‘cause he’s lonely as a bloke can be. Chorus: I'm blue, oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Yeah, I’m blue, oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day. Verse 2: Got me a blue shack with a blue tin roof, Blue thongs, blue socks, I swear it’s the truth, Blue trackies on the washing line, And me blue stubby holder’s mighty fine. Blue kangaroos jumpin’ round the yard, Blue as the beer in me chilly bin jarred, Blue are me thoughts as I sip on me brew, And blue are the feels when the day is through. Chorus: I'm blue, oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Yeah, I’m blue, oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day. Verse 3: Got a blue ute parked out in the sun, And me blue heeler’s ready to run, Blue gum smoke as we light the fire, Me blue sky dreams just reachin' higher. Blue are the mates who wander ‘round, Out here in blue gum country ground, Blue’s the sunset, the stars up high, Blue as the stories I’m tellin’ tonight. Chorus: I'm blue, oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Yeah, I’m blue, oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day, Oi roo-di-da-di-day. Outro: I’m blue as a billy boilin’ on the flame, In this blue life, everything’s the same.
[Verse] On the old front porch, where we sing the blues, You and me stuck here, in a town that we outgrew, We watch the sun set, casting shadows on our faces, Dreaming of a way out, to far-off places. [Verse 2] You make the morning coffee, same time, same way, I drive the same old truck down the same old gravel bay, Routine's a comfort, but it's making us weak, We need something more, but it's freedom we seek. [Chorus] Small town shadows, creeping 'round our hearts, We're tied down by safety, afraid to make a start, We crave the open road, the new dawn's early light, Yet these small town shadows hold us tight. [Verse 3] We walk the fields where we once felt so free, Now the corn grows tall, but it don't bury our need, For a life beyond the horizon, where the wind's fresh and wild, Are we too scared to chase it, or just beguiled? [Verse 4] I see it in your eyes when you look my way, A yearning for adventure, a need to escape, We both know the truth, but fear keeps us confined, Small town shadows, playing tricks with our minds. [Chorus] Small town shadows, creeping 'round our hearts, We're tied down by safety, afraid to make a start, We crave the open road, the new dawn's early light, Yet these small town shadows hold us tight.
[Verse] Daddy fought his demons In the dark and cold night Raised us with his pain But he gave me the light [Chorus] I won't carry those shadows Into my boy's bright day I'll break all the sorrows In love we’ll find a way [Verse] Daddy's strength was strong But his heart felt the weight He did all he could Yet he knew it was late [Chorus] I won't carry those shadows Into my boy's bright day I'll break all the sorrows In love we’ll find a way [Bridge] Gonna teach him how to smile How to stand up tall Break this chain of exile And we'll never fall [Verse 2] Daddy's hands were tired But his spirit never broke I'm taking all his fire Turning it to hope
